Newbie saddle woes

[susanm8048]

I have the non gelaround version of the Atola and like it too after many, many trials and errors. The cut out is just right for me.

Can I ask ( it is a little off topic) if anyone has compared the gel vs non gel around versions? Am I missing out on an even BETTER ride??

Sue

[Squirrel 2]

Lots going on here.

First of all to newbie Liza, if your pubic bone in on the edge of the cut-out, you are sitting wrong on that saddle, or the saddle does not fit you. It is usually the soft-tissue that is attacked by cut-out issues. Take the bike to the shop & ask them to check your seating position, you might be sitting crooked & hanging off to one side, which would put pressure on the pubic bone. Better yet, have them measure your sit-bone width. Maybe you are too wide for the Damselfly. That saddle is not known for comfort in a more upright riding position.

The width of the Arione is similar to the width of the Damselfly. It is flat & has no cut-out. I ride this one as I can't abide a cut-out. The tri version is very soft up front, it's all gel up there, and the nose is wider. I have no interest or need to try that one as I don't ride much in the drops, & wider up front would be higher potential for chafing up there.

Selle San Marco Aspide is a hard saddle. The Atola & the Aero both have good cut-outs with no sharp edges. These 2 are also wider (140 & 145 mm vs about 130 for Damselfly & Arione), so if you need more area to space & support your sit-bones, they are a better option. There doesn't seem to be much difference between the gel & non-gel versions of the Atola. There is a considerable difference in the Aero as the gel version is much softer all around than the non-gel. Just personal preference, the gel version gets hotter so the non-gel might be better in warmer riding conditions.